SKF Energy-Saver Kendo Project

Siaya County faces challenges due to its low forest cover, resulting in limited rainfall and negative impacts on farm produce yield and food security. Sauti Kuu has initiated an energy-saving project to address this issue. The project aims to reduce firewood usage for domestic cooking by teaching beneficiaries how to build their own open kitchens and energy-saver stoves. This approach encourages the use of twigs and branches from live trees, reducing the need to cut down trees for cooking.

The project targets 25 families who participated in Sauti Kuu's previous Afforestation and Reforestation Project in Alego, Nyangoma Kogelo, Siaya County. It involves at least 31 children and youth from these families, aged 4 to 25. Through open forum discussions and engagement with children and youth, the project raises awareness about the importance of preserving and growing trees for forest cover and its impact on rainfall patterns, farm production, and food security.

By constructing open kitchens and energy-saver stoves, the project promotes sustainable cooking practices. This shift away from traditional wood-fired or charcoal-based enclosed kitchens reduces respiratory illnesses caused by smoke inhalation. The overall goal is to foster a long-term mindset of tree preservation and discourage the felling of trees for domestic use.

The project's success has been evident with beneficiaries showing increased awareness of forest conservation. They now utilize twigs and branches from live trees for cooking, reducing their dependency on cutting down live trees. With support from Dominic Ojinnaka, this energy-saving project has the potential to create a significant impact on the preservation of Siaya County's forest cover, leading to improved environmental conditions and enhanced food security for the community.